Maybe Brown: Peer Educator Fighting Domestic Violence

Maybe Brown, an ARC Peer, is one of her village’s only resources on health issues. She acts as an advocate for women who need her help.

Maybe Brown started working as an ARC Peer while living in a camp for displaced people in Liberia. Now back at home, Maybe serves as her village’s only teacher, counselor and advocate on sexual health issues. She is the only reliable source of information on subjects like contraception, HIV/AIDS and domestic violence.

Wife beating is the most common problem she encounters, she says. If a woman has been beaten, she knows Maybe’s door is open to her. Maybe will take her by taxi to a safe house, advocate on her behalf and give her emotional support in the form of friendship and counseling. Maybe counsels men, too, and educates her village on how to stop domestic violence.

It’s a big job, but Maybe likes doing it because she sees the positive impact of her work. She passes on her knowledge to her three children, preparing them to become informed, healthy adults and community leaders.

The effectiveness of ARC’s work depends on the help of local community
members. That’s why 95 percent of our employees are local staff — many of them ARC constituents.

ARC Peers are familiar and trusted sources of information. With the education and teaching skills they get through ARC programs, they help people in their communities create healthier lives.

More Success Stories